Is it difficult to create a successful app startup?
I would say it depends. The term “application”depends on the functionality. It can be a complex technological solution that performs different tasks, or a simple single-function application.
For example, Todoist is a single-function task management app. Thus, it is easy to build. In comparison, apps like Whatsapp use cutting-edge technology, complex back-ends, and extensive databases. Developers create such applications to solve several complex problems. Therefore, it can take several months to create it.
In this light, your application idea determines the complexity of your starting solution. However, mobile app development company Emphasoft is taking steps to make the process easier for you.
1] Rethink, refine and validate your idea
Having a creative idea is good. But the point of a story is to make it realistic. How viable is the idea? Is it technically possible? Can it be converted into a full featured mobile app? Write down your application concepts and consider which ones will work.
A great way to validate your idea is to reach out to experts in the field. You can always get consulting services from mobile app development companies. They, in turn, give you an idea of how practical your app idea is.
They will help you improve or customize the idea of running the software. Change can determine whether such a concept is a resounding success or a complete failure. So never limit your mind. Explore – countless – possibilities.
2] Do a thorough market research
At a basic level, every application solves people’s pain points. So your app idea is wasteful if it doesn’t solve the user’s problem. Hence, you must do a thorough research to find out how viable your product is in the market. Make a proper investigation to
- The target audience that will demand your product.
- Understand their pain points and how running your app will solve them.
- Research their demographics, location, age group, gender, etc.
- Similar App Launch Ideas That Failed and Why They Failed
- Your competitors and their advantages
- Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) that puts you ahead of the competition
3] Develop a quality product
Once you’ve done adequate research, it’s time to turn your creativity into a functional application. Here you need experienced programmers to create the best mobile application. What is your choice?
- Hiring an internal development team
- Hiring a software development agency.
In-house team: Hiring an in-house team is always the way to go if you need hands-on control over the development process. You would hire in-house IT people to develop mobile apps and oversee them. You pay them a salary and allowances – just like any other full-time employee.
Outsourcing: Mobile app development outsourcing gives you access to numerous experienced developers and designers specializing in various sub-niches. Thus, they can create scalable and highly functional applications. Software companies also give you.
- Free consultations. They will help you analyze the viability of ideas and the cost of software development.
- Track project progress. You can set milestones and set due dates.
- Many hands are working on app development faster. Thus, you can bring your application to market as quickly as possible.
Most often, after development, you will need fewer technical hands. Thus, hiring an internal team only to abandon them after the application is launched is not practical.
As a result, most app startups have their own IT team consisting of a CTO and a few developers. An in-house team takes on small application management tasks and outsources larger developments to software companies.
3a] Software company verification
It is very important to do due diligence before hiring a software company. Otherwise, you risk receiving defective products. Here are the steps
- Make a list of potential software development partners.
- Interview them by asking and analyzing the following
- Check out their portfolio.
- Familiarize yourself with their preferred mobile app development tools, i.e. programming languages.
- Listen to feedback from past clients.
- What development methodology do they use?
- Ask about their team.
- scope of their services. i.e. will they launch the product on the app store? And so on.
- What post-launch services do they provide? Those. system maintenance
- Who owns the source code?
Once you have chosen your preferred software company to partner with, decide on the prices and sign the contract. It is important to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Otherwise, your intellectual property is at risk of plagiarism.
3b] MVP Development
You can also develop a minimum viable product to test the viability of the idea in the market. An MVP is a product with limited but important application features. It runs before a full application to collect user feedback.
This helps developers to validate product viability, limit bugs, and create a well-rounded final product.
3c] Creating Interactive UI and UX
A flawless interface design is an integral part of a successful app launch. The most successful apps — Instagram, Facebook, TikTok — are known for their simple yet breathtaking designs.
Getting a satisfactory user experience from your application includes the following.
- The application should be convenient and practical.
- Graphics should be attractive.
- The app must have elite navigation features.
- The application must have advanced technologies to enhance functionality.
4] Raise Capital for Your Product
You need money to hire the best developers, create an unbeatable product, and launch marketing campaigns. Sufficient capital ensures that cash will not be an obstacle to achieving a successful outcome. Here are some ways to raise money.
- Bootstrap: Spend enough of your savings. Collect money from
- Personal loans
- Friends and families
- Co-founders
- Angel and seed funding: Get money from venture capitalists, strategic partners or business angels.
- Setting up crowdfunding campaigns
- Collect donations from your website
- Participate in competitions for funding. And so on.
5] Launch Marketing Campaigns
Effective marketing campaigns will bring you enough customers and fame. This advertises your products to potential customers around the world. In a few months of active campaigns, your product is gaining a sufficient number of users. Marketing may be over.
- Social Media Campaign
- Search Marketing (Google Ads)
- Influencer stocks
- Content Marketing
- Marketing cost per install
6] How do you monetize your app?
It’s important to understand the monetization strategy that works best for your app. Proper market research helps improve your monetization method. Here are some options
- In-App Advertising
- Selling goods in the application
- Pay per download
- Subscription – Much more suitable for running SaaS applications.
- Sponsorship
- Affiliate links
7] Keeping your app updated
Software development for startups is an ongoing process. It does not end after the application is launched, but only begins. You have to make constant changes to stay relevant in the market. This may include
- Implementation of advanced technologies to improve user experience.
- Creation of new functions
- Error correction
- General maintenance
- Creating new updates
Continuous improvement ensures that you can retain users. You stay relevant in the long run, and new products won’t beat you. Thus, maintaining a constant stream of income.
Mobile app development outsourcing – why Emphasoft?
Emphasoft is not your average software development service. With the help of the mobile app, Emphasoft increased its clients’ investment by $300 million. Our clients include WindRose Excel, AdviNOW Medical, nmg, Topaz Rentals.
Opening a software development company? Let’s discuss which mobile app is best for you now.